EYFS profile results: Children making steady progress
The Department for Education (DfE) has published new data showing that children were improving at the end of reception year, although maths and literacy are still the areas where they need the most help.
The EYFS profile results for 2023-24
- Children with a good level of development was 67.7%: an increase from 67.2% in 2022/23 and 65.2% in 2021/22
- Children at expected level across all early learning goals was 66.2%: an increase from 65.6% in 2022/23 and 63.4% in 2021/22
In individual areas of learning, the most children reached their expected level in physical development (85%), expressive arts and design (85%) and personal, social and emotional development (83%).
Maths and literacy were still the areas where the fewest numbers of children achieved their expected level (77% and 70% respectively) but these figures have improved in the last few years.
Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of NDNA said: “The results show a steady improvement in children’s learning and outcomes which shows the amazing work that goes on in early education settings across the country. We welcome the Government’s commitment to ensuring more children to reach these expected levels of development.
“We are worried that maths and literacy are still the two areas with the lowest proportion of children achieving these expected levels. Early intervention is key to boosting these skills. Research evidence has shown that NDNA’s Maths Champions programme gives children additional months of progress. Our Language and Communication programme also focuses on early literacy skills. Early maths and literacy are areas where children have the most to gain and are fundamental to their future life chances.
“The data on the gender and the deprivation attainment gaps, along with those on children with special educational needs, shows that more needs to be done to support these groups. Nurseries are more likely to close in areas of deprivation so the Government must look at funding more resources in those places, particularly services to support SEND children.”
For individual early learning goals, gross motor skills was the area that most children achieved to expected levels, followed by building relationships and creating with materials. Numbers, words and writing areas were the lowest areas of achievement.
Although the gender gap has continued to widen, boys are achieving a higher level thank previously but girls are outpacing them. Children with English as a second language are achieving better than previously, as too are summer-born children. However, the difference between children on free school meals and their peers is around the same.
- England
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